Prefabricated building construction



April 15, 1941. J. c. HAlN 4 2,238,111

PREFABRIOATED BUILDING CONSTRUCTION FiledApril27,'l958 'ssneets-sheetl T8 as 6.2 \54 52 a5 5.2

mum/ R (JAN/5 C. HA/N HA RR/JJOECH, Fear/5 S=HARRrs A TTORNE KS.

Patented Apr. 15, 1941 raarannrca'rnn ammo. coNs'raUc- Iron 7 James 0.nan, Los Angeles,Cali1. Application April 21, 1938, Serial s... 204.5759Claims.- (c1. 2o--1) My invention relates to buildings with particularreference to prefabricated structures.

The general object of my invention is to provide a relatively.inexpensive but efficient and durable building of prefabricatedconstruction that maybe readilyassembled or dismantled.

One of the important objects of my invention is to achieve strength andrigidity with economical employment oi material by incorporating in theconstruction of the side walls of a polygonal building the principle ofan arch. I propose to construct a substantially rectangular building.

orbuilding of. other polygonal configuration, in

which are-attainedthe advantages heretofore inseparably associatedwithcompletely circular walls. More specifically. it is my purpose to employin polygonal buildings 'wallsot hoop-andstave construction. in which thestavesare prefabricated panels held in place by means in tensionexerting contractive force on the walls. By mass production such panelsmay be economically produced. A feature of my invention is theconception that such panels may be of width to acoominodate completefactory-installed doors and windows.

. A further object in mind is to extend the panel principleto. otherparts of the building with particular reference to the roof, wherebythewhole.

building may comprise iactory-madeelements adapted to be assembledentirely by semi-skilled labor.

Another object of my invention is to provide a polygonal configurationin plan for a building that will permit a tension means encircling thebuilding to press inwardly throughout the whole periphery of thebuilding including the building corners. I

A further object is to provide a stave-andhoop construction that may bereadily tightened to take up shrinkage as required.

One object of my invention is to provide a building construction withminimum framing either in the walls or in the roof construction bydesigning the walls to be self-supporting and additionally to withstandlateral roof stresses.

A further object in mind is to provide in a hoop-and-stave constructioncompression members to transmit stresses from one side of the buildingto an arcuate wall on the opposite side of the building. i

The above and other objects of ,my invention including objects relatingto various unique panel constructions will be apparent in my detaileddescription to follow, accompanying drawings.

considered with the I In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a plan view of asubstantially rectangular building with arcuate walls;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same building:

Fig.3 is a top view of the completed building;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary vertical section of a simplified and relativelyinexpensive embodiment of my invention;

Fig. 5 is a top view somewhat enlarged of a.

corner 01' the building shown in Fig. 4, the" root being removed toreveal the wall construction;

Fig. -6 is a transverse section oi one-ha'lt of a building incorporatinga more elaborate form of my invention; a

Fig. 6a is "a fragmentary plan view of an adjustable joint for floorangles;

Fig. '7 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section of a panel jointthat may be incorporated in the wall 01' Fig. '1;

Fig. 8 isa similar view of a second panel construction;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a metal stud employed in the panel jointshownin Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is" a section through the roof taken as indicated by the linel0lll of Fig. 6;

Fig. 11 is a bottom view of the section shown in Fig. 10; i

Fig. 12 is a top view of a portion of a building with the root brokenaway to show how horizontally disposed trusses may be incorporated inthe building construction shown in Fig. 6;

Fig. 13 is a top view on an enlarged scale or a joint between twoadjacent trusses in Fig. 12;

Fig. '14 is a side elevation of the structure shown'in Fig. 13 with thehoops removed;

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary section showing how a truss of Fig. 12 may besupported from the roof;

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary transverse section of a metal buildingconstructed of panels in accordance with my invention; v

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary side elevation somewhat enlarged oi the wall inFig. 16;

Fig. 18 is a transverse section through the wall of Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 is a transverse section through a panel joint "taken asindicated by the line [9-49 of Fig; 11;

Fig. 20 is a similar section taken along the line 20-40 of Fig. 1'7;

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a joint member employed in Figs. 19 and20;

Fig. 22 is a section through the metal roof of Fig. 16 taken asindicated by the line 21-42;

Fig. 23 is a similar section taken along the line 23-23 of Fig. 16;

Fig. 24 is a top view on a somewhat enlarged scale of a corner of theside Walls in Fig. 16, the roof being removed; and

Fig. 25 is a section through the corner of the building taken asindicated by the broken line 25-25 of Fig. 24.

The building shown in Figs. 1 to 2 is rectangular in generalconfiguration, the walls meeting at junctures corresponding to thecorners of 3. rec-- tangle, but the two side walls and the two end walls31 are arcuate in plan, each wall curving outward. The walls of thebuilding are constructed on the hoop-and-stave principle, the staveelements being panels preferably wide enough for each panel toaccommodate either a complete door or complete window installation.Thus, a side wall 30 in Fig. 1 may comprise from end-to-end, by way ofexample, a blank panel 32, three successive window panels 33, twosuccessive blank panels 32, a door panel 34, two successive blank panels32, three successive window panels 33, and a final blank panel 32. Thesepanels are confined by tension members or hoop means encircling thebuilding, the hoops being, by preference. concealed by horizontalmembers 35. Under the contractive force exerted by the hoop means, thearcuate series of panels become. in elfect, a unitary rigid wall in thesame manner as the staves in a barrel. i,

This application of the principle of an arch to building walls resultsin economy of material and makes it possible to construct walls fromfactoryproduced panels. The windows in the window panels 33 and the doorin the panel 34 may be completely installed in the factory production ofthe panel.

The roof of the building shown in Figs. 1 to 3 may also be of panelconstruction as will be speciflcally described later. At this point itis sufficient to note that the roof panels 36 are interconnected by capstrips 31 and are arranged to provide two roof slopes 38 at the side ofthe building and two end slopes 39.

One of the simplest constructions for a building embodying theprinciples of my invention is indicated by Figs. 4 and 5. Thisconstruction is suitable for garages and minimum cost dwellings. Each ofthe panels 40 of Figs. 4 and 5 comprises a series of horizontal boards42 preferably held together before the building is assembled by suitablemeans such as vertical strips 43. In the assembled building the verticaledges of each of the panels 40 seats in a complementary groove 44 in avertical stud or Joint member 45. At each corner of the building a pairof studs 45a and an additional member 46 are assembled to form a cornerpost generally designated 41.

The hoop means having cooperation with the series of panels 40 maycomprise a continuous series of tension members 48 in the form of rodsalong each side of the building, the rods being interconnected oranchored to common means at the corners of the building. As shown inFig. 5. each pair of adjacent rods 48 in a series extending around thebuilding may simply extend through a corner casting 49 and be providedwith nuts 50 for adjustable engagement with the casting.

The hoops or tension members 48 press the panels inward against suitablearcuate stifieners or compression members at the top and bottom of thewall that determine the wall curvature. At the bottom of the wall, thepanels may, for example, as shown in Fig. 4, rest against an arm;-

. ished structure.

' laid along the top edge of the wall.

ate strip 52 anchored to the cement floor 53. At the top of the wall theinward pressure of the panels is resisted by a stiffener in the form ofa horizontal truss member 54, each of these truss members being held inhorizontal position by suitable means such as one or more brackets 55,each bracket being mounted on one of the studs 45.

It will be noted that in such a construction the tension of each of thetension members 48 is distributed in part as compression in thecorresponding side wall, in part as lateral pressure against that sidewall, and in part as tension in the tension members of the adjacent sidewalls.

A feature of my invention is the conception of interconnecting the trussmembers 54 at the corners of the building in an adjustable manner topermit contraction of the assembled series of truss members whenever itis desired to tighten the hoop members 48.to take up shrinkage in thewall of the building and to keep the arched series of wall panels underpressure. To permit such contraction the truss members 54, as well asthe strips 51 and 68 at the top of the wall, are of such length as toprovide gaps 62 at the corners of the building, a horizontally disposedcorner plate 83 bridging at each gap. Each corner plate is adjustabiyconnected with its associated truss members 54 by suitable bolt means 64extending through complementary slots 65 in the plate. To take upshrinkage, it is merely necessary to loosen the bolt means 64temporarily and to tighten up the nuts 50. The rigidity of these cornersis maintained by properly tightening the bolt means 64. For furtherrigidity, diagonally opposite plates 63 may be interconnected bydiagonal tie rods 63a, as indicated in Fig. 5.

It is contemplated that the side walls of the building will besufficiently strong not only to withstand normal wind stresses and thelike, but also to take care of the roof thrust, the roof being supporteddirectly by the walls. To provide a suitable footing for the roofrafters 56, a suitable horizontal strip 61 of arcuate configuration isPreferably. this strip is reinforced by cooperating pairs of strips 68mounted on the top board of each panel along the inner face of thepanel. The top strip 61 stops short of the corner posts 41 of thebuilding to permit the contractual adjustment described. The rafters ateach corner of the build ing may rest directly on the corner posts 41.

A building having the construction indicated by Figs. 4 and 5 may beassembled by the following procedure. First, the arcuate strip 52 isanchored to the floor 53 and then the horizontal trusses 54 are mountedon temporary supports in approximately the disposition desired in thefin- The horizontal trusses 54 are then interconnected by the cornerplates 63, and the bolts 64 are tightened with substantial spacingbetween the ends of adjacent truss members. The panels 40 are arrangedalong the truss members and temporarily supported in engagement withgrooves of the studs 45. Preferably before such engagement the groovesof the studs'are liberally supplied with suitable mastic to provide.

waterproof joints. The means for temporarily hoop members against thebuilding walls draws the various panels into a unitary structure andcompresses the mastic at the joints into waterproof seals. The brackets55 are theninstalled to provide permanent support for the trusses 54.

Finally, the strips 61 are attached to the top edge pf the various sidewalls for-the support of the roof.

While a panel roof is preferred, it will be understood that any type ofroof may be employed. The side and end walls of Fig. l have greatercurvature in planthan circles of diameters equal to the buildingdimensions normal to those walls. Appreciable curvature is necessary andthe greater the curvature, the less material required for givenstrength. Excessive curvature is not necessary, however, and therectangular configuration of conventional houses may be substantiallyretained. For ordinary single family dwellings, I contemplate usingwalls having radii between 100 and 200 feet long.

The configuration of the building is such that the hoops surrounding thebuilding press inwardly in effective manner at all'points including thecorners. A feature of my invention is of two panels are forced together,there is a tendency, by virtue of the tapered relationship shown, forthe mastic 16 to be forced from the channels against the masticpreviously applied to the bottoms of the grooves 13, the result beinginner face to contain mastic 33 for further sealtheconception that therequired cooperation between the hoop means and all of the panels in theside walls of a building may be achieved so long as the side walls curveoutwardly at all points and so long as the curvature of any wall sectiondoes not exceed the tangents of the adjacent wall sections. "Thus, inFig. 1, lines a--a and b--b are tangents of wall sections adjacent thecorner of the building. It will be noted that neither wall crosses thetangent of the adjacent wail. So long as the principle indicated byreference to these tangents is kept in mind, the general configurationof a building embodying my concept may be widely varied. The sameprinciple may be expressed by stating that the curvatures of the wallsmust never be so great as to cause the building configuration to beindented or reentrant at the wall junctures. What may be termedoutwardly bulging" building corners are necessary to permit the hoops toact against the ends of the walls, just as any arch must be anchored atits ends. If the corners are reentrant rather than, bulging, tension inthe hoops may actually cause collapse of a building of hoop-and-staveconstruction.

A more substantial wooden construction for an embodiment of my inventionis suggested by, Fig. 6. Each of the panels 10 is of multiple-plyconstruction comprising two outer plies H of wood and an intermediatelayer 12, preferably of suitable heat-insulating material. It iscontemplated that the panels II! will be interlocked at adjacent edges,for example by tongue-and-groove engagement.

One form of joint construction that may be employed; for interlockingthe two panels 10 is shown in Fig. 7. r the panel the intermediate layerIii stops short of the outer plies .H to form a groove 13, the pliesbeing cut away by preference 0 give the groove a tapered cross-sectionalcon guration. A suitable tongue member H fills the space formed byopposed grooves to two adjacint channels. Since I contemplate insertingastic in the tongue-and-groove joint, to provide awaterproofconstruction, I prefer to cut channels 15 in, the tongue'to befilled with a mastic prior to assembly oi t e panels. Mastic is alsospread inthe bottoms of the groove 13. When the edges ing of the paneljoint.

A second multiple-ply panel construction and interlocking arrangementmay be employed as suggested by Figs. 8 and 9. Each of the panels "a hastwo outer plies 85 spaced apart to provide a relatively wide space whichmay be filled with insulating material 81 as indicated. Set in from theside edges of the panels are vertical spacer members 88 thatinterconnect the outer members 85 and cooperate to confine theinsulating material 81. The edges of the outer plies 85 extendin beyondthe spacers 88 are reinforced by inserted members 90 to form twoparallel tongues 92 designed to interlock with the metal stud member 93in the manner shown in Fig. 8.

'This stud member 93 may be fabricated from an ordinary I-beam, the web94 of the I-beam being cut to form four vertical series of laterallybent/tongues 95. each series of tongues cooperatingwith an adjacentflange 96 of the I-beam ,.to form a groove 91 complementary to one ofthe panel tongues 92. At each panel joint the At each of the side edgesof g two panels are interlocked with the stud member 53 in the mannershown by Fig. 8, waterproof mastic'being employed in the joint asindicated at 98. The joint may be covered by an outer cap 99 secured byscrews Hill, the cap being recessed to receive mastic as shown at IN.The

described construction leaves a central space in "each joint, which maybe filled'with insulation The stud members at the panel joints are afeature of my invention. Thestuds interlock with the panels and arestrong enough to make up for door and window openings, and to permit meto employ only two or three hoops around the building. The wall shown inFig. 6 is constructed in accordance with Fig. 7, the hoop members Illbeing concealed by cover strips I03. The series of panels making up theside wall of the building seats at the bottomin an arcuate angle-ironIII! that is secured by bolts I05 embedded in the concrete foundationI01. Such an angle provides a waterproof juncture, especially ifsuitable mastic is employed. The top edge of the series of panels mayrest against a second compression member comprising an arcuate anglemember I of ply-wood construction. In the simplest form of my inventionthese ply-wood angles are rigidly interconnected at the corners of thebuilding with no provision for taking up shrinkage. By constructing thepanels of properly seasoned wood, suitably impregnated withwaterproofing material. any significant shrinkagemay be avoided.

In the building constructed as indicated by Fig. 6, a paneled roof maybe employed of the pattern indicated in Fig. 3, the roof panels beingconstructed as shown in Figs. 6, 10 and 11.,{4Each of the panels,generally. designated IIO, includes two longitudinal members III, eachof which is cut at one end to abut a ridge member I I2 and is cut at theother end to seat on the angle I08 and to provide anchorage for ahorizontal eave plate H3. In each roof panel the two longitudinalmembers I I I are connected by transverse tie rods" members are instaggered overlapping relation ship. Interposed between the twocross-members in each pair are spacer blocks III to'which each of thecross members is connected by nails I I8.

It is contemplated that the nails will be sufliciently yielding bybending and the material of the cross members sufiiciently soft topermit an extent of relative movement between the cross members of apair to permit the tie rods to be tightened in compensation for anyshrinkage in a series 'of longitudinal boards II! that extend intbngue-and-groove disposition between the two longitudinal members III.A substantial layer I20 of insulating material is interposed between theboards H3 and the cross members H8. The boards II! are anchored by nailsto the cross members H8. The fact that the nails employed to anchor theboards-are readily bent and the fact that the nails extend throughrelativelysoft insulating material permit suflicient relative movementbetween the individual boards and the cross members I18 to allow anytightening required for taking up shrinkage. Finally the upper surfaceof the panel is covered by suitable waterproof roofing paper I22.

-The various panels are laid in side-by-slde relationship in the patternsuggested, for example, by Figs. 3 and 12, sufficient space beingprovided between adjacent panels to permit access to the nuts H5 fortightening the tie rods I. The spaced panels are then interconnected bycap members I23, which may either be nailed to the underlying membersIII, or be held in place by bolts connected to an anchor strip, such asshown in Fig. 22 to be described later. It will be noted that thelongitudinals III provide longitudinal edge flanges extending upwardalong each side of each panel and that the caps I23 are complementary tosuch flanges to provide waterproof joints. Finally the ridges of theroof are capped by suitable members I24.

These prefabricated roof panels may be erected on the job from atraveler by semi-skilled labor. In the particular construction shown noframe is required in the roof to tie together the panels at oppositesides of the building, since the wall construction is sufficientlystrong to take the en tire roof thrust. It will be noted that thisthrust is met not only by the hoop means 80 but also by the members I08at the top of the wall, which are tied together to form a meansextending continuously around the building. Insuchan ar rangement windstresses from one side of the building are transmitted across thebuilding and distributed to the hoops on the leeward side of thebuilding. In the construction shown in Fig.

6, then, the members I08 at the top of the wall have the followingfunctions:

1. They serve as arcuateforms defining the configuration of the walls.

2. They stiffen the walls.

3. They provide supporting surfaces for the roof panels.

4. Because they are interconnected in a continuous series, the roof.stresses on one side of the building are opposed by the roof stresses onthe other side of the building.

5. They serve as a means to transmit wind stresses from one side of thebuilding to the other side of the building. Thus, in a building ofrectangular configuration, a stiffener I08 may recei e the wind stressfrom the corresponding side wall and transmit that stress through thetwo adjacent parallel stifieners to the fourth stifiener whichdistributes that stress to the opposite side wall and the associatedhoops.

In another embodiment of my inventive concept, I employ a more elaboratearrangement of compression members at the top of the building walls, assuggested by Figs. 12 to 15. In this construction, each arcuate sidewall is braced at the top by a single compression member in the form ofa horizontal truss generally designated I25, each truss comprising anarcuate outer chord generally designated I26 and a straight inner chordgenerally designated I21 interconnected by diagonals I 28. As indicatedin the drawings each of the chords may comprise .two parallel members onopposite sides of the diagonals. The outer chord member I26 is of angu-'larv configuration similar to the previously described compressionmember I08 and in the same manner engages the top edge of the arcuatewall. The various horizontal trusses I25 extending around the buildingare interconnected to form a continuous reinforcement. In the preferredform of my invention shown in the drawings, the means forinterconnecting the ends of the horizontal trusses is adjustable topermit the series to be contracted or expanded as required. Theconstruction of a suggested adjustable joint now to be described is bestshown in Figs. 13 and 14.

At the ends of the horizontal truss members the two truss chords areinterconnected and reinforced by a web member I29. Corner plates I30 areplaced against the upper and lower faces of the horizontal trusses andinterconnected by suitable bolts I32 extending through the material ofthe trusses. Substantially parallel slots I33 through the corner platesare provided for the bolts I32. Itwill be noted that these slots aredisposed in the general direction of the corresponding side wall, sothat the slots cooperate with the bolts in a positive manner at allpositions of adjustment to maintain the desired disposition of the.series of truss members.

The ends of the horizontal trusses are cut at angles to provide adiagonal space between the corner plates I30. This space is occupied byan adjustable wedge means comprising a pair of wedge shoes I35 and apair of wedges I38 of complementary configuration. The wedges I36 areadjustably interconnected by a suitable bolt I31 having a nut I38 foradjusting the spaced relation between the two wedges, Tightening the nutdraws the two wedges .togethen'forcing the two wedge shoes I35 apart,but in all positions of adjus ment the wedge shoes are held insubstantially parallel relationship. The procedure for adjusting such acorner connection will be readily understood by those skilled in theart. Norarcuate walls, but additlonal mally the bolts I32 are in tightengagement, but when any adjustment is required these bolts aretemporarily loosened to permit manipulation of the nut I38 on the end ofthe wedge bolt I31.

The hoops 80a, interconnected by corner castings 49a, and extendingaround the building tend to contract the series of interconnectedhorizontal trusses and, since all the opposing surfaces at the Juneturesin the series of horizontal trusses rest flat against each other, thecontractural eifeet of the hoops 80a tends to maintain the desiredrectangular disposition of the series of trusses, any departure from thedesired normal disposition tending to rotate such opposing surfacesapart. It will be noted that such rotation or spreading apart of thejuncture surfaces is also opposedby the bolts I32 coacting with thecorner plates I30, the disposition of the slots being such of length toextend from one edge that this effect is provided at all positions ofadjustment. Those skilled in the art may readily understand that whilethe wedge assembly provides substantially parallel planes of junctureI39 at each corner of the building disposed in the direction of thecenter of the building, these planes need not be parallel.

In any construction having the stiffeners or horizoiital trusses at thetop of the wall adjustably interconnected, I also contemplate arrangingthe floor angle irons I08 for adjustment at the corners of the buildingas suggested by Fig. 6a. The ends of the floor angles I08 are connectedto angular bars I03 at each corner of the building.

7 panels I50 may comprise bolts I03a extending through slots I031) inthe.

angles.

Where greater rigidity is desired in the assembly of horizontal trusses,I may interconnect the various trusses by means such as tie rods I40, asshown in Figs. 12 and 15. Thesetie rods extend across the building atvarious points and are secured by suitable means such as nuts I4 I"engaging washers I42. In my preferred construction the tie rods I passthrough downwardly depending flanges 143 of the arcuate chords, I26, theupper edges of the wall panels being cut away, as desired, to provideclearance for the tie rods. The tie rods are installed after the hoopmeans have contracted the wall panels into their permanent positions. Itwill be noted in Fig. 15 that the washers I42 engage both the chord I 26of the horizontal truss and the upper ends of the building panels. I

Instead of employing the multiplicity of horizontal tie rods I40 asjust. described, I may, of course, employ only two diagonal tie rodsinterconnecting the corner plates I30, as previously described withreference to Fig. 5.

In the course of assembling the building, the horizontal trusses aretemporarily supported until the wall hoops are tightened. Thereafter theouter edges of the trusses are supported by the means is desirable tosupport the inner edges of the trusses. Such additional means maycomprise hangers I45 in the form of iron rods anchored to the roofpanels by bolts I46. Where the tie rods I40 are.employed, the hangersI45 may support cross beams I41 that in turn brace the rods I40 frombelow,

the horizontal trusses I25 resting directly on the Figs. 16 to 25 serveto indicate how the principles of my invention may be applied to a metalbuilding. The same structural relationships are involved; the arcuateside walls comprising series of panels I50 pressed inward and togetherby tension members I5I and the root being made up of roof panels I52. Inthe wall construction shown in Fig. 16, a panel I50 is shown as 00prising a hollow metal member containing insulation I53 with the tensionmembers I5I on the outside of the wall.

The preferred metal wall panel is constructed as indicated by Figs. 17to 21 inclusive. Each of the pannels I50 comprises two outwardly bowedmetal sheets I55 that are spaced apart throughout the Intermediateportion or the panel and are interconnected at the side edges of thepanel. More specifically described, each of the panel sheets I55 has anintermediate outwardly arched portion I58 and two inwardly inclined edgeportions I51. Incorporated in the panels I50 at suitably spaced levelsare horizontal pipes I50 or other suitable hollow members. These pipesare to the other of the panel so that when the panels are assembled in awall, the pipes in one panel abut end-for-end with the pipes ofadjoining panels. The panels maybe prefabricated as complete units withthe side edges of the sheets I55 welded'together and both sheets weldedto the pipes I 50.

A suitable means for interlocking adjoining a pair of vertical sheetmetal channels I55 interconnected by suitable means such as bolts I50and nuts I52. Each 0! these channels cut and formed as best shown inFig, 21 has a central web I53 and two diverging flanges I64. The web hassuitable bolt holes I65 and the' flanges are cut to form short tonguesI55 that engage complementary slots in the panel sheets I55. Preferably,insulating material I6! is packed into the panels proper and also intothe spaces at the joints defined by the channel members I59. v

To keep the various strings of pipe aligned in the finished wall. Iprefer to employ plugs I10 to interconnect adjacent pipe ends as bestshown in Fig. 20. Each plug has a central radial flange IlI dimensionedto abut the ends of two consecutive pipe lengths and has tapered endsI12 that may be dimensioned for driving fit into the pipes.

A feature of my invention to be noted is that the arch principle isapplied not only to the wall as a whole but also is applied to theconstruction of the individual panels I50. When the edges or the panelsheets I55 are welded to the pipe members I 55, any .force laterallyagainst the panel tending to move a panel sheet inwardly places thepanel sheet under compression and tends to result in tension in the pipeI55. It is apparent, then, that the pipe members functions,

1. In the wall, as a whole, the pipes serve as compression members toresist contractual forces from the tension members I5I.

,2. The pipes cooperating with provide positive means aligned with eachother.

3. The pipes in each panel cooperate with the panel sheets I55 to forman arch assembly whereby adequately strong panels may be constructedfrom relatively thin panel sheets.

4. The pipes lend rigidity to the panels in horizontal planes.

In addition to providing an interconnecting the wall panels, the Jointchannels I59 have the following functions:

for keeping the panels 1. The channels lend rigidity to the wall in.

vertical planes.

2. They retain have the following I the joint plugs eflicient joint for3. By the arrangement or tongues engaging slots in the panel sheets, thejoint channels interlock the adjoining ends of the panels and, togetherwith the plugs I'I8, prevent relative movement between the panels in theplane of the wall.

4. The joint channels are in themselves arch members when viewed inhorizontal section, the arch members interconnecting and reinforcing thearches formed by the panel sheets I55.

5. They serve the same purposes as the studs previously described in thewood construction, 1. e., strengthen the walls to compensate for doorsand windows.

The compression member at the top of the sheet metal wall to resist thecontractual force of the hoop means may comprise simply an arcuate angleiron I'I5 engaging the top ends 01' the panels as shown in Fig. 16, andproviding supporting surfaces for the roof of the building. While thetension members I5I may touch the mid-sections of the panel sheets I55,it is contemplated that the inward force of the tension members will betaken primarily by the joint channels I58, these channels beingsufficiently heavy to carry the stresses involved. Likewise. on theinner side of a wall the vertical web of the angle iron I15 may touchthe mid-sections of the panel sheets I55 butwill receive stresses fromthe wall primarily through the joint channels I58. It is apparent thateach pair of joint channels, in eil'ect, constitutes a vertical studhaving the same relationship to the outer hoop members I5I and to theinner compression members "5 as heretofore noted in the wooden studs 4501' Fig. 5.

Any type of roof may be employed with such a paneled wall, but I preferto employ prefabricated metal roof panels of the type constructed asindicated in Figs. 16, 22, and 23. Each of these panels I52 comprises ametal sheet I16 and an upper sheet oi roofing paper I'I'I with a layerI18 of suitable insulating material between the two sheets. At the sideedges the roof panels are turned upward to provide inclined flanges I19,the roofing paper I16 having marginal portions I88 extending beyond thelower side edges of the metal sheet and the side edges of theintervening insulating material. The roofing paper and the layer ofinsulating material may be omitted if desired.

A feature of these roof panels is that they are double arched, i. e.,arched both longitudinally and laterally whereby exceptional inherentstrength may be achieved with relatively thin material. The lateralarching oi the sheet is most pronounced at the center of the sheet asindicated by Fig. 23, the sheet being flattened towards its ends asindicated in Fig. 22. To maintain the arched configuration of the sheetin its longitudinal aspect, I may provide two iongitudinal tie rods I82for each panel. These tie rods may be suitably anchored at theiropposite ends in a wooden cross member I83 at the upper end of the paneland a second similar cross member I88 towards the lower end of thepanel, the cross members being anchored to the panel by suitable meanssuch as bolts I85.

To provide means whereby each panel may be assembled into a unifiedroof, the upper cross member I88 of each panel is shaped and disposed torest against a ridge assembly generally designated I88 with the upperend of the panel resting on the ridge assembly, and the lower end of thepanel is adapted for engagement with the wall angle I15, for example, bythe addition of a cross member I86 mounted on the lower cross memberI84.

The assembled roof panels lie side by side as indicated in Figs. 22 and23 with the marginal side portions I88 of adjoining panels overlapping.Each of the joints between adjacent channels is capped by an inserteddouble arched channel I88, and the various elements of the joint aretied together by suitable means such as a series of boltsv I89cooperating with an anchor strip I88 that is substantially coextensivewith the channel I88. The bolts I89 may be anchored to the channel I88by engagement with metal loops I8I welded inside the channel. The boltsI88 extend through suitable apertures in the overlapping marginalportions I88 of the panels and are secured to the anchor strip I98 bysuitable nuts I82. It will be noted that the anchor strip I98 is ofsufficient lateral extent to engage the body of each roof panel toprovide anchorage for placing the bolts I89 under tension. Tightening ofthe nuts I92 tends to contract the joint assembly and, in effect, makesthe panels integral with each other.

To make the assembled roof watertight along the ridge, I provide a metalridge cap I93 having flanges I94 overlying the upper ends of the roofpanels.

In'the preferred form of my invention there are three of the hoop meansI5I, one at the bottom of the wall andtwo near the top, the additionalhoop at the top being provided to take the outward thrust of the rootpanels.

The arcuate side walls may be interconnected at the corners of thebuilding and the hoop members anchored in any suitable manner. Asuggested comer construction is indicated 'in Figs. 24 and 25. In thisconstruction the angles I15 extending along the tops of two adioiningwalls may be solidly interconnected by a corner plate I98, or may beadjustably interconnected as previously described. The panels I58 at thecorner of. the building abut edgewise against the legs of a verticalcorner angle I88, the pipes I58 in the panels engaging suitable studs288 mounted on the angle, as best shown in Fig. 25. For each series ofhoop members I5I extending around the building, a corner casting 28I isprovided, the corner casting seating against the inner faces of thecorner angle I99. The hoop members I5I extending along the two adjacentwalls pass through apertures in the corner castings 28I and areadjustably retained therein by nuts 282. Finally, the vertical angle I89and the corner castings 28I may be concealed by a sheet metal housing283 of circular configuration that has tongues 284 engaging the slots ofthe adjacent wall panels in the same manner as the tongues I66 of thejoint members I59 previously described. This housing is slotted to clearthe hoop members I5I.

For the purpose of this disclosure and to reveal clearly the principlesof my invention, I have described preferred forms of my invention inspecific detail. Changes and modifications will b obvious to thoseskilled in the art, and I reserve the right to all such changes andmodifications that properly come within the scope of my appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. A building having in combination: a continuous series ofsubstantially horizontal stiifeners in normal disposition defining withtheir outer edges a polygon having arcuate sides; means adjustablyinterconnecting said stifi'eners at the least two slots at the end ofeach stiffener in general longitudinal alignment with the stiffener andmeans engaged therewith, whereby, at all adjustments of the stiileners,the interconnecting means tend to maintain said normal disposition ofthe stiffeners; a series of wall panels disposed around said stiffenerstoiorm the side walls of the building; and means encircling the sidewalls of the building in tension to press said panels against eachother, and against said stiffeners.

-2. An arcuate wall for a building comprising: a series of outwardlybowed sheets; a corresponding series of coextensive oppositely bowedsheets arranged in pairs therewith and forming therewith panels oflenticular ,cr'oss-section; means between the sheets of each panelconnected to the ends of the sheets to resist in tension any forcestending to straighten the sheets and in compression to resist any forcestending to increase the curvature of the sheets, said means extendingalong chords of the curves defined by the sheets and being spaced fromthe central portions of the sheets; a fixed member arcuate in planengaging said panels and defining an arcuate wall configuration; andmeans in tension holding said panels against said arcuate fixed memberto form an outwardly bowed arch.

3. A building having in combination: a series oi wall panels; a seriesof vertical studs interposed between said wall panels, said wall panelsand studs forming a series of arcuate side walls, said side wallsmeeting at bulging corners; a series of substantially horizontalarcuatestiffeners corresponding to said side walls and disposed withinsaid walls and engaging said studs to resist inward pressure from saidstuds; means encircling the building in tension and pressin said studsinwardly against said stiffeners; and means interconnecting saidencircling means and studs at the ends of each side wall whereby eachside wall is compressed end-to-end.

e. In a. four-sided building, the combination of: a plurality of panelmembers arranged in series forming the four separate side walls of thebuilding; a series of four arcuate stiifener members corresponding tosaid four side walls of the building, said stiffener members beingdisposed within and engaging said walls to resist inward pressure fromsaid walls; and means acting in tension around the building to hold saidpanel members assembled around said series of members, said tensionmeans crowding the panels towards each other inwardly from the cornersof the building to form effective arches.

6. A four-sided building having in combination: a plurality of wallpanels; a series of four arcuate means adjacent the lower ends of saidpanels corresponding to the four sides of the building; a second seriesof four arcuat means corresponding to said first-mentioned arcuate meansadjacent the upper ends of said panels,

the arcuate means being disposed within the arcuate members, said sidewalls forming outwardly bulging building corners whereby said tensionmeans acts against panel members at the corners of the building to crowdthe panel members against each other inwardly from each end of each sidewall to form eilective arches.

5. A four-sided building having in combination: a series of fouradjustably interconnected arcuate compression members corresponding tothe four walls of the building and defining a building configurationwith outwardly bulging corners, the building lines extended outwardly atsaid corners forming angles between 90 and 180; a series of verticallydisposed wall panels extending along said series of compression members:and adjustable means extending around the building in tension to holdsaid series of panel members around said series of compression panelsand engaging the panels'to resist inward pressure from said panels;means in tension around the building holding saidpanels assembled aroundboth said series of arcuate means, the walls of the building formingoutwardly bulging corners whereby said tension means crowds the panelstogether from the corners of the building to form effective arches; anda pitched roof thrusting outwardly against said wall panels therebyexerting force against said tension means.

I. A four-sided building having in combination: four elevatedsubstantially arcuate compression members in a continuous seriescorresponding to the four side walls of the building; a plurality orvertically disposed wall panels extending along said compression memberssaid compression members being disposed within and engaging saidplurality or vertically disposed wall paners to resist inward pressurefrom said panels; means acting in tension around the building to forcesaid wall panels towards said compression members, the walls of thebuilding forming outwardiy bulging corners whereby said tension meanscrowds the panels against each other from the corners or the building toform eflective arches; and elevated tie rods across the buildinginterconectlng said compression members.

8. A four-sided building having in combination: a series of wall panelsdisposed to form a. series of four arcuate side walls forming fouroutwardly bulging building corners; a series of four arcuate stifienerscorresponding to said four walls and disposed within and engaging saidwalls to resist inward pressure from said panels; a series of tensionmembers corresponding to said side walls, each tension member beingdisposed to urge said panels inwardly towards said stlifeners; and meansconnecting one of said tension members both to the ends of thecorresponding side wall and to the tension members of the adjacent sidewalls, whereby the tension in each of said tension members is balancedin part by compression in said corresponding side wall and in part bytension in the tension members of the adjacent side walls.

9. A iour sided building having in combination: a plurality of wallpanels constituting the four walls of the building; a series of fourarcuate means corresponding to the four walls of the building, saidarcuate means being disposed within and engaging said walls to resistinward pressure from said walls, said walls meeting in outwardly bulgingbuilding corners; and means in tension holding said panels against saidarcuate means and crowding said'panels against each other inwardly fromthe ends of the walls to form effective arches.

JAMES C. HAIN.

